After the Longhorns' big win against San Jose State, the opening spread for the UTEP matchup was 40.5. It has since shifted a little bit after some public bettors jumped on one side of it over the past week or so.
As of this morning, the current spread is at 41.5 (-110) depending on the sportsbook which means that the books have been taking money on Texas -40.5. In order for the books to balance out the attraction for both sides of the line, they've moved it to 41.5 to see if they can get some bettors to take the UTEP side.
Despite 41.5 being such a big number, bettors could be waiting until gameday to make a bet, in which it could grow to even 42 or 42.5 before kickoff. It's not likely though, as 42 is such an incredibly high and key number regardless of Texas' opponent.
If Arch Manning and Texas' offense is going to score that many points on Saturday, then everything has to be working perfectly for them. UTEP's defense isn't your typical G5-level defense, they're incredibly good at rushing the passer and they've added a couple of nice defensive transfers this offseason. Their biggest one being South Carolina State All-American DE Ashaad Hall, who had double-digit sacks in 2024 and has sacked the quarterback in both UTEP games in 2025 so far.